This is because after the Fronde, the role of the king’s brother was feared as a source of political instability and rivalry to the king. While Philippe had much more freedom than those of lower rank in terms of his social behaviors, such as his relationship with the Chevalier de Lorraine and his other homosexual affairs, he was not given any political, financial, or social choice. He had very little political power and was twice used as a pawn in marriage alliances, but his son became the king regent. He was labeled effeminate and silly at Louis’s court, and yet embraced and thrived in the hyper-masculine role of military commander. He was loyal throughout his life to his great love, who was neither of his two wives but in fact a man, during a time where French morality was controlled by the Catholic Church. But Philippe lived a fascinating life, trying to balance the status and exemptions of being a member of the royal family with the shackles of subservience and latent fear of another Fronde. For the most part, this is how French society wanted it the previous brother of the king was a participant in a revolt that destabilized the position of the monarchy and jeopardized the life of the Dauphin.
Philippe I d’Orleans is not a widely remembered Prince, having lived and died outshined by his brother Louis XIV, the Sun King.
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